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Stressing the Heroine: Heartbreak Homestead #suspense @SusanneBellamy #RLFblog
Stressing the Heroine from Heartbreak Homestead (Hearts of the
Outback bk 2) a rural suspense romance by Susanne Bellamy.Author Bio
Born and raised in Toowoomba, Susanne is an Australian author
of contemporary, rural, and suspense romances set in exciting and often exotic locations,
and in Australia. She adores travel with her husband, both at home and overseas,
and weaves stories around the settings and people she encounters.Her heroes have to be pretty special to live up to her real life
hero. He saved her life then married her.Susanne is a member of the RWA and was a finalist in their 2011
Emerald Award. She placed third in the 2015 Pan Macmillan short story competition
with ‘Chez Romeo’. Mentoring aspiring writers, and working as a freelance editor
keeps her off the street! She loves connecting with readers and fellow writers.
Feed her a good single malt whisky and you’re a friend for life.About the Book
Title Heartbreak Homestead (Hearts of the Outback bk 2)Genre Rural romanceBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13After her brother’s death, the last thing Lizzy Wilmot wants
to do is to return to her family’s property but Alex Carter, his former business
partner, needs her help to locate some missing files. Alex doesn’t trust Lizzy and
the feeling is mutual but when they find themselves back at the homestead in the
midst of a bitter custody battle for Lizzy’s baby nephew, sparks begin to fly.Who is trying to harm Lizzy?Can they both learn that trust will overcome heartbreak?Every heroine has a story. She has a background, a history, and
a past. This interview allows us to meet a heroine and get to know her better, by
focusing on how she handles being relaxed, as well as how she handles stress.The Heroine’s Relaxed Side
This heroine is at a
party. Considering her story, describe the party.Lizzy Wilmot-Carter loves barbecues and casual get-togethers
with friends. Having taken on the care of her orphaned baby nephew, she now chooses
functions that are child-friendly. There will be wine and beer and impromptu dancing,
especially if Alex Carter is near.How does the heroine feel about being this particular party,
and what body language is she displaying that gives it away?Amongst friends, Lizzy leaves aside her social mask, although
she feels a powerful need to temper the attraction she feels to her ‘husband for
six months’. Their sexual chemistry sizzles and she turns towards Alex, standing
close but gripping her wine glass to stop herself grabbing him.Is she more likely to
mingle or remain aloof?Lizzy mingles and enjoys both light-hearted banter and deep and
meaningful discussions. She has many acquaintances but just a few close friends
from work, and she prefers small parties with the latter.If she drinks, what is
her drink of choice at this party?White wine in hot weather, red in the winter.How much drink is her
usual?While Lizzy is an extrovert and a queen bee, she is also a team
leader in the SES (State Emergency Service) and has a strong sense of responsibility.
She doesn’t drink to excess in case she is called out to an emergency.The heroine figures out
where the hiding places are and then goes there. Is it to hide, to avoid someone,
or to go drag a friend back to the party?Before the death of her brother and taking on the care of her
baby nephew, Lizzy would have sussed out assignation spots. Now, she is more likely
to rescue a friend who has had too much to drink, or play hide-and-seek with friends’
young children.Is she likely to latch
onto a friend and stay with him/her and ignore others, or is she the friend that
others latch onto?Lizzy draws others to her. Pre-Alex, she would be the one others
latched onto. Now, she and Alex are drawn to one another, but Lizzy is also very
good at getting a party going.If someone picked a
fight at this party, how is the heroine going to handle it?She would throw a jug of cold water over them before using her
sharp wit and getting the party back on track. But it would be a brave or foolhardy
person to start anything when Lizzy is around!Is the heroine the
one most likely to get tossed out of the party, or the one who does the
tossing?Control is important to Lizzy, essential given her childhood,
so if anyone is going to be tossed out, Lizzy will be doing the tossing.Will she know when to
leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of herself?Lizzy will know when to leave. If she stays on, it will be to
help clear up and have a one to one chat.The Heroine’s Stressed Out Side
How does the heroine
handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls her aside when she
was blameless in a situation?She will calmly explain in a factual way, and maybe pull out
her SES badge to show what she was doing there.How does the heroine
react to hearing a scream?Level-headed and capable, a scream would galvanize Lizzy into
action. She belongs to that (approx) 5% of people who are able to assess and act.
This is why she’s a team leader with the SES.If she sees someone
being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses her mind?“Pile of sh*t” attacking someone weaker or more vulnerable.If she sees someone
being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing she does?She will call for help on her phone, which is always accessible,
as she goes to assist.This heroine attempts
to rescue someone and realizes that she is in over her head. The odds are
against her and there is no way out. She is going to get her butt handed to
her. What does she do?Lizzy will help anyway, but she will lessen the odds against
her any way she can. Even if it means playing ‘dirty’.The heroine runs into
the one person from her past she wanted to avoid. She can’t get out of the
situation and must interact with him/her in some way. What does she do?Inconvenient emotions will be hidden behind an indifferent facade
and she’ll employ her wit and sarcasm, if necessary, to show the world she can’t
be touched or hurt in any way.Someone younger than
the heroine is in charge of the situation, and they are handling it badly,
perhaps bungling things. How does the heroine deal with it?Unless it’s life-threatening, Lizzy will offer ‘suggestions’
in a way that allows the younger one to fix the situation while saving face. Afterwards,
she’ll have a quiet chat with them so they learn from their experiences. Unless
the person is a total dropkick, in which case Lizzy will flay them and put them
in their place. Suffering fools is not one of Lizzy’s methods.The heroine is in
physical pain but must bear up under it and keep going. What does she tell
herself in order to get through the situation?“Just five more minutes and I can…(whatever is needed).”
She understands mental toughness and, knowing pain is finite, she reminds herself
that she has the will and the mental strength to get through anything. After all,
nothing can be as bad as some moments in her childhood.What mentor’s words
come to mind in a bad situation?Johnno, her SES leader: “Assess danger before acting.”What lesson from her
past gets her through a stressful situation?Don’t show anyone how much they can hurt you, physically or mentally.
Hide emotion and always keep control.Buy This Book
Publisher Self published seriesAmazon: http://amzn.to/1nqc9hcAuthor Social Media
Website http://www.susannebellamy.comAmazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Bellamy/e/B00AYRGVRAWebsite -
Risque Renovation by @authorNicMorgan Featured #Romance #RLFblog
Genre: Erotic ContemporaryBook heat level: RAfter years of abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, Sandra Jameson flees in search of a new identity. Wandering across the country, she happens upon a small coastal town of Grand Isle, Maine. The quaint little city is exactly what she has been looking for and Sandra, now going by the name of Patreece Warren, sets down roots to begin her new life.Kade Riley grew up in Grand Isle and has a reputation of being a bit of a ladies’ man. As the local handyman, he is called on by many for various projects. When the new woman in town catches Kade’s eye, he comes to her rescue with his tool box in hand.Patreece slowly lowers the protective walls she’s built around herself. While the days tick by, their attraction for one another grows until that spark ignites into a flame.Now, the only thing standing in the way of their future is her past.Buy This Book
Publisher http://www.bookstrand.com/risque-renovationBarnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/risque-renovation-blue-collar-1-nicole-morgan/1121167620About the Author
Nicole Morgan is a multi-published author of erotic romantic novels, which more often than not have a suspenseful back story. Erotic romance mixed with a good old-fashioned whodunit. While she’s written everything from contemporary to paranormal her leading men will more often than not be wearing a uniform of some kind. From military to police officers, she has a love for writing about those who protect and serve.From her very first novel (which turned into a four book series) about Navy SEALs to her more recent releases you will be sure to find a few twists and turns you were not expecting.Nicole currently lives in the Rocky Mountain region where she continues to gain support and inspiration from life’s everyday blessings.Author Social Media
Website http://www.authornicmorgan.com
Blog http://nicolemorganauthor.blogspot.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/authornicmorgan
Facebook http://facebook.com/authornicolemorgan
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorNicMorgan/
Goodreads http://goodreads.com/nicolemorgan
Amazon Author Page http://amazon.com/author/nicolemorgan -
The Dark Hour by @jfjenkinstweets #RLFblog #urbanfantasy
Today’s featured book is The Dark Hour by JF Jenkins.About the Book
Title The Dark HourGenre Urban Fantasy/New AdultAuthor J.F. JenkinsBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PGBecca Simpson is a not so average teenager, and she knows it. In fact, she embraces it. She was chosen to be a Keeper, one who keeps the gates sealed between the magic world and the “normal” world. The only time she isn’t safe from the dark creatures of the Other Side is the Dark Hour. Every night, at the same time, the gates between the two worlds open and Becca is left vulnerable until the gate closes and the minions disappear. But that’s why she has Erik Manchester. As her Guardian, Erik is in charge of making sure no one, or no thing, comes after her to take her away. Because waiting for her on the Other Side is a tyrannical emperor, looking to use her status to meld the two worlds into one.With Erik, Becca feels safe, but suffocated. There are rules she has to follow in order to keep out of the hands of the emperor. Then Kyne walks into her life and challenges everything she knows. Not only does he know things about the Other Side, but he’s from there. And found a way to stay in the normal world without frying.Buy This Book
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Hour-J-F-Jenkins-ebook/dp/B00PHKSQR2Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dark-hour-j-f-jenkins/1120685021Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-dark-hour-3Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/488860About the Author
J.F. Jenkins lives in Minneapolis Minnesota with her husband, son, and two cats. She graduated from Bethel University in 2006 with a degree in Media Communication with minors in both writing and film. When she is not busy writing, she spends her free time playing games, reading, and spending time with her family.Author Social Media
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/jfjenkinswrites -
Cover Reveal Storm Lake East: Larue Series by @LiviaQuinn #RLFblog #Contemporary #IAN1
Cover Love includes a cover, blurb, buy links, and social media contacts for the author. Today’s feature is the Cover Reveal for Storm Lake East: Larue by Livia Quinn.
About the BookTitle Storm Lake East: Larue series (formerly the Under-Cover Knights)Genre Contemporary/Military RomanceAuthor Livia QuinnBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PGThey’re heroes who care…Hard Days Knight is Free!! Ex-Navy officer Luc Larue knows how it looks when the sexy cop and her partner respond to a silent alarm at the grocery where he stopped for a six-pack. Luc’s job with KPI requires certain…attire and equipment.The tall, dark and deadly looking mercenary Delilah Burke confronts at the robbery scene is sexy as sin, and apparently “saved the day”. Is he a hero or a crook? The guy seems too good to be true. Then, trouble arrives from his past and Del is faced with a choice to believe the evidence against Luc, or trust her heart.Her First Knight “Take ‘em off, Tucker. Tucker. Tucker…”Ridge considers himself the consummate decision maker, wearing many hats—inventor, Ranger, mentor, CEO. So how had he wound up on stage in nothing but his trousers and tie beside two covermodels before a hundred women screaming at him to take it off. What seemed like a recipe for harmless fun could turn into his worst nightmare – one curious CEO follows a gorgeous redhead onto the wrong floor. Add a hundred romance writers attending a conference. Toss in some false assumptions, throw out a lifetime of good behavior and Ridge is up to his Special Forces tattoo in manure.Merry Christmas, Baby It’s a weekend full of love. Larue social media is all a twitter at the return of their hometown movie idol, Ducane Beauregard Larue at the only place to celebrate Christmas eve, the Romanos’. Nothing could make Buffy happier than delivering some surprises and helping the people she loves find love. A Christmas eve miracle confirms what she already knows – with a little nudge, all her love ones’ happily ever-afters will happen in the not so distant future.Buy the BookPublisher Campbell Hill PublishingAmazon http://amzn.to/1SypBL0Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/1Oe9vV4Kobo http://bit.ly/1TRHCXGCreateSpace http://amzn.to/1UeiqYrGoodreads http://bit.ly/1RxOJE6iTunes http://apple.co/1RIHUwGAbout the AuthorD.C. native, Livia Quinn, was transplanted to the bayous in Louisiana. She’s written ten books in her Storm Lake series, both paranormal and contemporary romance. While working as a plant manager, computer trainer, mail lady, professional singer, and small business owner she stocked her brain full of great characters and fodder for her stories. She can’t wait to share them with her readers. Livia loves all these Scottish and though she’s never met a Tempestaerie, an Aussie gem hunter or a Scottish dragon, she did meet some hunky cover models recently. Sign up for her newsletter here…http://eepurl.com/W94bb or on her website http://liviaquinn.com.Author Social MediaWebsite http://liviaquinn.comBooks all stores http://liviaquinn.com/books.htmlPinterest http://www.pinterest.com/liviaquinnAmazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KPDXXE2Newsletter http://eepurl.com/W94bb -
The Homecoming #womansfiction by @dougiemchale #RLFblog
This quick interview includes info about the author, and introduces the story.About the Author
In a past life Dougie has been a musician and song writer, playing in several bands, performing live and recording music. He has a degree in Learning Disability nursing and a post graduate diploma in autism. Dougie lives in Dunfermline, Fife, with his wife, teenage daughter, older son and golden retriever. The Homecoming is his first novel, inspired by a love of all things Greek, her islands, people, landscapes, sea, light and ambience all of which are important themes and symbols in his writing.Interview with Dougie McHale
Why did you write this book?I wrote a travel journal/book of my visit to the island of Zakynthos many years ago. It was my first serious attempt at writing a book but it was never published. I didn’t know it at the time but it was to influence the writing of The Homecoming which has Zakynthos as its main backdrop. I used that piece of writing as my research when the story line of the novel moves to Zakynthos. The main backdrop in the novel was always going to be Greece that was never in doubt. I’m also inspired by what it means to be human, our thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs and how such things influence our relationships with others and our personal stories.It was the book I was always going to write and it grew with me. I wrote it over a period of a few years and during that time my writing developed and improved. Many years ago when I wrote my first ever song I thought it was good at the time, however, as I learned the art of song writing I realized that as a process it takes time and a lot of practice before you finally get it right. Learning to write a novel was the same. I revisited the plot and prose which involved lots of drafts and with each visit it was like getting acquainted with an old friend again. Initially its flaws and weakness were all to evident but with time its strengths and potential matured into a story that I really cared about as eventually my writing improved and I felt competent with my style. It became a potent part of my life. As my writing progressed, the characters developed into intricate individuals with private and personal sides, their hopes, motivation, dreams and conflicts drove the plot forward. They became like real people to me who I empathized with and who I had watched grow and develop.What is your favorite genre to read?I love books that have a sense of place and time, which draw you into the social and cultural complexities with ease. I like the characters to speak to me from the page, where I can identify with them, their hopes, fears, conflicts, loves and emotion, for me that is when a character becomes real and it’s at that point that I want to know what is going to happen to them, where is their life taking them in the story.I often read Sebastian Faulks, William Boyd, Anita Shreive and Carlos Ruiz Zafon. At the moment I’ve just finished Midnight in St Petersburg by Vanora Bennett. The common denominator is that they all write about what it really means to be human through our relationships with the world and each other. Most importantly they write good stories with beautiful prose.What are you working on at the moment, and will see from you in coming months?I’m working on my second novel. Like The Homecoming it is set in Greece. I’m hoping to have it finished and out on Amazon by the summertime.Please tell us about your latest book.Louis Satriani has the perfect life in Edinburgh or so he thought, it only took a second to discover it was a lie. Forced to readjust to the shifting events that have rocked his world he confronts the secret and deception that will change his life forever.
A moment of crisis can offer new directions and escaping his past he travels through Greece, an experience he hopes will afford him opportunities to reconstruct his life and rediscover a sense of normality, by burying his torment and establish a reason to be in control of the choices and decisions he makes. Will the lure and sanctuary of a Greek island, Zakynthos, erase the loss of the hopes and dreams that once galvanised his life? Will it offer a refuge and reconciliation with his past? Louis is offered a sanctuary, Maria, a local tour guide. The ghosts of Louis’ past are never far and the circumstances that have brought Louis and Maria together embroil them in conflicting emotions forcing them to face and confront their feelings for each other opening old wounds of the past and suppressed hopes that resonate in the present.
Passion blossoms in a voyage of love, doubt and self-discovery. But can their love survive life changing events and the unfolding of a secret that can only be resolved by a homecoming, forcing Louis to choose between his heart and head. The Homecoming encapsulates love, loss and reconciliation, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh, mainland Greece and an Ionian island.About the Book
Title The HomecomingGenre Literary Fiction, Womans FictionAuthor Dougie McHaleBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RBuy This Book
Amazon http://authl.it/4g3Author Social Media
Twitter https://twitter.com/dougiemchaleAmazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Dougie-McHale/e/B013B5ZNPC/ -
Word of Honor a new #medievalromance by @LaurenLinwood #RLFblog
This quick interview includes info about the author, and
introduces the story.About the Author
Lauren Linwood’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.A native Texan, Lauren is an avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan who manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for Fixer Upper addicts–as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.Interview with Lauren Linwood
Why did you write
this book?I have always enjoyed reading books in a series, but I had
never written a series of my own. I decided after nine standalone romances that
creating a series would be my next creative challenge. It’s a lot to keep up
with, but I am finding the process truly satisfying.What is your favorite
genre to read?I enjoy thrillers that have some type of historical
connection. Steve Berry and Brad Meltzer do a fabulous job of weaving history
into action-packed stories that keep a reader guessing till the very end.Who is your favorite
character from fiction (not including your own)?I’m a true Pride and Prejudice fan, so Elizabeth Bennet is
my favorite heroine, as she is for many readers and writers of romance. Lizzy
is intelligent, compassionate, loyal, witty, charming, and feisty–everything I
love in a heroine.What are you working
on at the moment, and will see from you in coming months?My Knights of Valor series is claiming all my attention
these days! Every book will have a connection to Word of Honor’s hero, Geoffrey
de Montfort. Geoffrey’s best friend (and cousin) is the focus of Marked by
Honor, releasing in July, and his niece is featured in Code of Honor, coming in
October. Three more books from this medieval historical romance series will be
released in 2017 that will be the stories of Geoffrey’s other niece and two of
his children.Please tell us about
your latest book.Merryn Mantel and Geoffrey de Montfort have loved each other
since childhood. Once betrothed, Geoffrey leaves for the wars in France for
five long years. Upon his return, the two marry and spend one blissful night
consummating their love and making plans for their future.But her new husband vanishes the next day without a trace.
Merryn grieves for almost seven years–and then Geoffrey returns to her–changed
from the boy and man she knew and worshipped. This stranger refuses to reveal
where he has been and why he stayed away for so long.Will her husband’s silence create a rift too large to heal,
or can Merryn and Geoffrey recapture the love they once shared?About the Book
Title: Word of Honor, Book 1 in the Knights of Valor seriesGenre: medieval historical romanceAuthor: Lauren LinwoodBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13Buy This Book
Publisher: http://windtreepress.com/portfolio/word-of-honor/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Word-Honor-Knights-Valor-Book-ebook/dp/B01BMZSOEK/Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/word-of-honor-lauren-linwood/1123406891?ean=2940152795554Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1084032661Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/word-of-honor-4Author Social Media
Website: http://www.laurenlinwood.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/LaurenLinwoodFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurenlinwoodAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Linwood/e/B00CSSG8BC/